Child Sexual Abuse

The Physician’s Role: Another individual who has a great deal of influence of the successful outcome of sexual abuse investigations is the medical doctor who performs an actual physical examination of an abused child. Because pediatricians usually share trusted relationships with families, they oftentimes are given information by parents or children that can be particularly valuable to the investigative team.

According to the American Academy of Pediatrics:

1. A physical examination should be performed on a child immediately if alleged abuse has occurred within the preceding 72 hours or if acute injuries are present.


2. Body swabs collected from prepubertal children more than 24 hours after an assault are unlikely to yield forensic evidence.


3. Nearly 2/3 of the forensic evidence of sexual abuse may be recovered from clothing and linens.


4. Sexual abuse is rarely diagnosed solely on the basis of physical examination or lab findings. Physical findings are often absent even when the perpetrator admits to penetrating the victim’s genitals.


5. Many types of abuse leave no physical evidence and mucosal injuries often heal rapidly and completely.

It is important to note that doctors are directed to keep detailed records, drawings, and photos regarding suspected abuse victims because of their potential value in court cases. The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) allows for these records to be shared with social service or protective agencies.

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